When this section of the Anacostia Riverwalk opened, drivers mistakenly used the trail to access the RFK parking lot. So someone at RFK put this jersey barrier across the trail blocking the trailhead. That was years ago (at the trailhead just south of the Armory).
Recently, DDOT assigned someone to just handle trail maintenance issues (which was necessary until recently, because DC had so few trails under their control). One thing he did was to turn this barrier to a 90 degree angle as it still keeps cars from driving, but also allows trail users access. A permanent fix is in the works.
Further back you can see a sidewalk where a curb cut is planned. And the access road may be narrowed since such a wide road is no longer needed. This could open up space for trees and/or a wider sidewalk/side path.
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